Titans Together
...
Chapter Eight.
...
Richard sat in the dimly lit computer room, his gaze fixated on the monitor before him, the glow reflecting in his intense eyes as he replayed the security footage. The room was bathed in the soft hum of technology, and the glow from the monitors cast a shadow on his face, accentuating the gravity of the situation.
The footage unfolded like a haunting narrative. Cadmus's swat team barged into the Tower, executing their intrusion with military precision. Richard's jaw clenched as he witnessed the calculated assault on Kori and Garfield, catching them off guard. The flickering images on the screen portrayed his friends putting up a valiant fight, but the inevitable conclusion loomed before him. Kori, faced with limited choices, reluctantly succumbed to the overwhelming force against her to save Garfield.
A remorseful sigh escaped Richard as he dragged his hand down his face, the weight of regret settling heavily on his shoulders. Concern for his friends intensified, amplifying the sense of responsibility that weighed on him. He should never have left them. He should have stayed at the Tower, where he could have protected them.
"Feeling remorse isn't going to help them." Raven's voice cut through the silence, making her presence known from behind him.
"I know." Richard acknowledged, his tone heavy with guilt. "I guess I put too much faith in her. I just assumed she would know what to do in this situation."
Shocked by his critiques, Raven regarded him with a mixture of confusion and condemnation. "You saw the video, Richard. Kori had no other choice."
"There is always another way." He responded sternly, his mind racing with scenarios of how he could have handled the situation differently.
"Even if that were true, she did the best she could." Raven spoke, her tone holding a nuanced understanding. "Kori is very skillful with combat, and that has blindsided you." Her voice cut through the air, her words carrying a weight of insight that demanded Richard's attention.
Richard furrowed his brow, absorbing her words with a mix of curiosity and confusion. "What do you mean?" He inquired, turning around in his chair, eager to grasp the perspective she was presenting.
"Have you considered that maybe you've been giving her special treatment because you're sleeping with her?" Raven suggested, shining a light on the revelation.
"What?! That is ridiculous." Richard retorted, his outrage evident at the mere suggestion.
Raven, undeterred, stood her ground, her arms crossed as she continued to articulate her perspective. "You're not as hard on her as you are with us." She pointed out, her gaze steady. "Yes, you could argue that she doesn't need as much help. But that only applies to the knowledge she has on warfare. For you to assume she knows everything about being a hero or a leader is foolish on your part. She's an alien, for crying out loud."
Richard felt a pang of defensiveness, realizing that Raven's assessment had struck a chord. "She knows a lot." He asserted weakly, aware that his argument lacked conviction.
However, Raven didn't let up. "I know she knows a lot." She acknowledged. "But she doesn't know as much as you. Just like all of us, she has much to learn. And I know she's been trying to tell you that."
A moment of realization washed over Richard as he recalled Kori voicing her insecurities about being a hero, along with her persistent requests for private training. It wasn't just about spending time alone with him but a genuine need for guidance in refining her skills.
The weight of Raven's words lingered in the room, prompting Richard to reconsider the dynamics within the team. The shadows cast by the monitors seemed to reflect the internal conflict within him as he grappled with the realization that his assumptions might have obscured his judgment.
"You let your feelings for her cloud your judgment, Richard." Raven stated, her words cutting through the introspection.
Initially resistant to this notion, Richard wanted to object. However, the more he pondered, the more he began to acknowledge the validity of Raven's observation. Just as he was about to delve further into his self-reflection, his attention was abruptly diverted by the beep of his phone, indicating a message.
He quickly unlocked his phone, surprised by Donna's message. Her words conveyed a sense of urgency and importance, urging him to turn on the news immediately.
Intrigued and growing increasingly concerned, Richard wasted no time in transitioning from his mobile device to his computer, where he could access a more comprehensive view of unfolding events through the live news feed.
"What is it?" Raven's voice cut through the silence, her concern mirrored in the furrow of her brow as she observed Richard's expression change from introspective to alertness. But he remained silent, his focus fully consumed by the developments unfolding on the news feed.
"Police have just arrived at the scene and are still trying to evacuate the carnival where there was some sort of attack!" The reporter on the screen relayed. "This is as close as they will let us, and we are unsure at this time whether this is a terrorist attack or some sort of villain!"
Richard and Raven watched intently as the reporter maintained her composure amidst the chaos, with fleeing civilians rushing past her.
"This was clearly a planned attack, as today was the Carnival's grand opening!" The urgency in the reporter's voice heightened, emphasizing the severity of the situation. "Excuse me!" She said, stopping a frantic bystander in the midst of the chaos. "Can you tell us what happened?!"
"Aliens! Aliens are attacking!" The distressed bystander exclaimed in a heightened state of anxiety. "It shoots green beams from its hands, and its green pet is running rampant!"
A sense of urgency gripped Richard as he stood up from his chair, turning to Raven with determination. "The carnival is downtown. Let's go!"
...
Meanwhile, in the secluded sanctuary of the Batcave, the ambient glow of the computer screens cast a soft, eerie light on the cavernous surroundings. The multitude of high-tech gadgets and sleek vehicles were shrouded in shadows, giving the cave a mysterious atmosphere.
The ever-stoic Bruce walked up to his state-of-the-art computer station, taking a seat in his ergonomic chair designed for long hours of strategic work. The subtle hum of technology filled the air, a symphony of surveillance and intelligence gathering echoing through the vast underground chamber.
Bruce took a sip of his coffee, the bitter warmth contrasting with the cool atmosphere of the Batcave. As he perused through the myriad of monitors displaying ongoing operations, a notably intriguing video invitation flickered on his main screen, emanating from Lexcorp, a name that always stirred a sense of foreboding.
Furrowing his brow, Bruce's piercing gaze met the glow of the monitor, the blue light reflecting off his scrutinizing eyes. With the exceedingly wealthy being their main demographic, it wasn't surprising that Bruce Wayne was on that list. With a sense of curiosity and a touch of suspicion, he clicked on the link, and the live video advertisement unfolded on the monitor, revealing a pristine white room where a beautiful woman in a gray blazer smiled at the screen.
"We at Cadmus Corporations know that evil exists in the world, and we are uniquely positioned to stop it." The woman proclaimed confidently, her words resonating through the cavernous space. "We will not sit idly by and let evil, in its many shapes and forms, have its way." Bruce's skepticism deepened as the woman continued with her persuasive pitch. "With more and more superheroes and people with superhuman abilities coming out of the shadows, we, as a society, are left defenseless. Sure, they swear to protect us, but what happens when we can't rely on them? God forbid Superman turns against us. What will we do then? Well, here at Cadmus, we have the solution. Introducing Subject 13."
Bruce's eyes narrowed further, an instinctive suspicion etching across his features as the screen displayed a young man clad in a white, skintight suit, adorned with a prominent Cadmus label on his chest. The resemblance between the boy's appearance and that of Superman was unmistakable, raising unsettling questions about the true nature of Cadmus Corporation's intentions.
"Now, with the advanced technology of Cadmus, we are able to bring to you not something you can only dream of, but something you can own." The woman continued, her sales pitch becoming increasingly ominous. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase a fully programmable super-soldier, customizable for your needs. But, of course, we wouldn't expect you to bid without seeing a demonstration." The woman pulled out a tablet, her expression transforming from a composed sales pitch to one of dramatic surprise. "Well, look at what we have here. Hostile aliens appear to be attacking the grand opening of the Jump City Carnival. This seems like the perfect opportunity to demonstrate what Subject 13 can do."
...
Richard navigated his car through the bustling downtown streets, each corner presenting a new obstacle. The closer he approached the carnival, the denser the chaos became. Vehicles hastily evacuated the area while panicked crowds streamed in every direction. With the streets teeming with confusion, Richard understood that parking was impossible within the immediate vicinity.
Scanning the scene with a sense of urgency, he swiftly located a reasonable spot and parked the car. "You go and find Gar. I'll go after Kori." He instructed, his determination palpable in the confines of the vehicle.
Raven turned to him, concern etched across her features. "Are you sure you can handle her? Maybe I'm better off finding—"
"No." He interrupted firmly, his resolve unwavering. "It has to be me."
Raven nodded in understanding, ready to carry out the plan. However, just as she moved to open her door, Richard's voice halted her in her tracks.
"Wait." He called out, compelling her to turn toward him.
Raven watched Richard as he reached into the backseat and retrieved the familiar case with her name engraved on it. His expression remained stern as he handed it to her, a silent understanding passing between them. Sensing the gravity of the situation and knowing there was no time for hesitation, Raven took a deep breath and firmly gripped the case.
"Let's get our team back." Richard instructed with unwavering determination.
Raven nodded, absorbing his resolve before swiftly exiting the car. She sprinted towards the carnival, the urgency of the situation propelling her forward. Richard watched her depart, the weight of the impending confrontation palpable in the air. As she disappeared into the chaos of the carnival, he released his own heavy breath, his gaze shifting to the backseat, where the other sealed case rested.
...
The vibrant lights of the carnival rides flickered, casting a surreal glow over the chaotic scene unfolding below. The once jubilant carnival music struggled to be heard amidst the terrified screams of fleeing citizens. The air was thick with tension as colorful lights flashed, creating a disorienting contrast to the fear that gripped the atmosphere.
A deafening roar cut through the chaos, drawing attention to a ferocious beast tearing through the crowd. With dark, dilated eyes and a menacing roar, the creature seamlessly morphed from one fearsome form to another. Its clawed paws slashed at tents and displays, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Growls and roars reverberated as the beast stormed through terrified families, instilling chaos and fear among the public.
Above, a furious alien soared through the night sky, her glowing eyes ablaze with anger. She unleashed her ultraviolet energy with a violent intensity, each shot illuminating the darkness and setting tents ablaze. The attacks lacked rhyme or reason, striking with a chaotic ferocity.
Amidst the panicked crowd, people fled desperately, seeking escape from the mayhem. However, in stark contrast, a solitary figure emerged. Undeterred by the surrounding tumult, she walked purposefully towards the threat. Her determined expression cut through the chaos, showcasing a resolve that seemed immune to the fear gripping everyone else.
Her tall boots clapped rhythmically against the cement streets, the rhythmic sound echoing her determined stride. The long cloak she wore whipped behind her, adding an air of gravity to her presence. With no time to contemplate her feelings about the new uniform, Raven sauntered with unwavering determination. Following the trail of singed booths and ripped canopies, she hoped it would lead her to her friends amid the chaos.
Amidst the chaos of the panicked crowd, a large bear stood on its hind legs, a looming figure that dominated the scene. Its intimidating roar reverberated through the air, sending shivers down the spines of those who found themselves unable to escape the tumult fast enough. The urgency and fear among the people were palpable, yet Raven's unyielding composure remained strong.
In the midst of the unfolding pandemonium, Raven stood resolute, a stoic figure untouched by the surrounding fear. The hood of her cloak concealed much of her expression until she lowered it, revealing a face marked by determination rather than trepidation. Her eyes, sharp and focused, bore into the chaos before her as she surveyed the scene with a calm intensity.
The bear's roars echoed, but Raven neither faltered nor fled like the others. Instead, her stern expression seemed to defy the fear gripping the rest of the crowd. In the midst of the mayhem, she uttered a single word with a tone of command and recognition. "Garfield."
Successfully capturing his attention, the bear turned towards her before dropping onto all fours. With determined steps, he walked towards her, his pace gradually picking up as he transformed into a tiger. In a blink, he moved with heightened speed, the large cat approaching her in a sprint.
Remaining calm, Raven watched closely as the tiger slowed down, his long strides becoming deliberate as he stalked her. Growling with anger, he roared loudly before accelerating and charging towards her with ferocity.
She didn't recoil or flinch as he stormed up to her, roaring loudly in her face. She stood her ground, her boots planted firmly on the cement, her unwavering gaze meeting the tiger's dilated black eyes. "You don't scare me, Gar." She told him sternly, her voice cutting through the chaos around them with resolute determination.
In response, the beast roared angrily, the power of its cry blowing her hair back. The ferocious sound reverberated through the air, sending shivers down the spines of any onlookers still trapped in the carnival. Yet, Raven remained undaunted, standing firm.
The tiger's massive teeth were on full display just inches away from her face, a menacing display of raw power and aggression. Raven could feel the hot breath on her skin, but she held her ground, unflinching in the face of the creature's fury.
"I don't know what kind of brainwashing they did to you, but I do know you are incapable of hurting me." Raven stated firmly. The tiger closed its mouth, emitting a heavy snort in response to her bold declaration.
For a brief moment, time seemed to suspend as Raven maintained her unwavering stance, an anchor of calmness amidst the storm of fury. The primal roar of the beast echoed through the air, a challenge to her unyielding resolve. Amid the chaos, the vibrant lights of the carnival flickered in the background, casting intermittent shadows on Raven's composed expression.
Raven's face softened, her concern etched across her features as she attempted to reason with her friend. "You need to snap out of this, Gar. This isn't you. You aren't this uncontrollable animal. You are a person. And more importantly, you are my friend."
Her words resonated, briefly striking a chord within the raging beast. Another vicious roar erupted from the creature, a manifestation of its internal struggle. However, the outburst was abruptly cut short as Raven, defying the ferocity of the moment, unexpectedly caressed the side of its face with her hand.
Her touch introduced an unexpected hush and the chaotic scene around them seemed to momentarily fade as she spoke with a gentle yet firm tone. "I know you're still in there."
The cat's angered features softened momentarily as he squeezed his eyes shut, contorting his face in pain. The struggle was palpable as he fought against the programming that sought to dominate him. He swiftly turned away from Raven before whipping his head back, releasing another roar. However, this time, the roar carried a different tone—an agonized cry, a revelation of the internal conflict tearing at him.
Raven could see the inner conflict in his eyes, and sensed the torment that was inside of him. She continued to stroke his fur with a soothing rhythm, providing a stark contrast to the turmoil that gripped the carnival. The tension lingered, suspended between man and beast, friend and an unseen force. Raven could see the strain in his features and knew he was battling internally with himself. She could sense his pain and the mental torment he was going through. But she could also sense the fury and rage that was radiating off of him was diminishing.
"That's it, Gar! You can fight it!" Raven spoke with unwavering conviction, her gaze locked onto him. "Don't succumb to the beast they want you to be. Remember you want to be a hero. Be the hero I know you are!"
The tiger emitted another painful roar, reverberating through the chaos of the carnival. It echoed as he crouched down to the floor, the sheer weight of his internal struggle apparent. His powerful jaws clenched tightly as if attempting to stifle the anguish within. Digging his formidable claws into the hard ground, wrestling with the inner torment.
"I believe in you." Raven reassured in a soft, comforting tone, her hands gently cupping the sides of the tiger's face. She closed her eyes, creating a tranquil space amidst the chaos. Exhaling a soothing breath, she delved deep into the recesses of her psyche, summoning an ethereal power with the intent to mend and heal.
A serene white glow emanated from her hands, casting an otherworldly light over the tiger's pained and contorted face. Raven's concentration was palpable as she channeled her inner strength, an unspoken determination to restore calm and well-being.
As the healing energy flowed, the tiger's features gradually relaxed, the lines of pain smoothing away. His once-dilated pupils slowly returned to their normal green hue, a visual testament to the overcoming of his conditioning.
A relieved smile graced Raven's face as she withdrew her hands, a gesture laden with a sense of accomplishment and relief. With a graceful motion, she unclasped her cloak, a symbol of her protective presence, and draped it over the large cat.
Garfield, in a slow, unsteady metamorphosis, returned to his human form. Clutching the cloak tightly around himself, he stood on shaky limbs. His breath was uneven, and his eyes were filled with concern as he regarded the girl in front of him. "Are you really here?" He questioned, knowing fully well his eyes had deceived him before.
Raven responded with a reassuring smile, nodding as she slowly wrapped her arms around him. Still grappling with the aftermath of his conditioning, Garfield released a shaky breath. He surrendered to her embrace, letting himself fall into her arms, and resting his head on her chest.
"Did... Did I hurt anyone?" Garfield asked, a mixture of fear and guilt etched across his face.
"I don't think so." Raven replied honestly, though she couldn't be certain of the extent of the chaos left in the tiger's wake.
Their fleeting moment of reassurance was abruptly shattered by a colossal collision, the very ground beneath them quivering in response. The tranquility of the moment was replaced by a sudden chaos as they instinctively turned in unison. Their eyes widened as they beheld the unfolding spectacle, watching as the giant Ferris wheel, once adorned with festive lights was now teetering on the brink of collapse. The flickering lights painted an eerie scene before the colossal structure began its descent, crashing down with a deafening resonance that echoed through the air.
Raven released her embrace, their shared moment of reassurance abruptly forgotten in the face of the unfolding disaster. Her attention was instantly drawn to the scene of destruction, a mix of concern and determination etched across her features. "Come on, we have to help Kori." She urged, the urgency coloring her voice as they abandoned the momentarily tranquil space, rushing toward the epicenter of the calamity.
The air was filled with a combination of sulfur and funnel cakes and the dissonant symphony of creaking and crashing. The carnival atmosphere had transformed into one of pandemonium, with screams and shouts punctuating the chaotic backdrop. As Raven and Garfield sprinted toward the chaos, their surroundings seemed to blur with a surreal unreality, the urgency of the situation propelling them forward. The clatter of debris and the distant wails of sirens merged into a cacophony that underscored the gravity of the unfolding tragedy.
...
In the chaos that ensued, the terrified crowd, unable to escape, sought refuge behind whatever makeshift barriers they could find, desperately attempting to shield themselves from the alien's devastating energy blasts. The once joyful carnival had transformed into a nightmarish scene, where the alien's energy blasts wreaked havoc with maddening fury, setting tents, canopies, and plush prizes ablaze.
The spreading fires created an inferno, and those trapped within the park were forced to dodge not only the alien's destructive energy but also the encroaching flames. Screams echoed through the air as panic and fear gripped the trapped crowd.
Amidst the chaos, the alien, fueled by an uncontrollable rage, picked up a hotdog stand. With a guttural scream, she effortlessly lifted it above her head and hurled it with deadly intent. A small family, huddled together in terror, braced for the inevitable impact. However, a moment of disbelief struck them as the cart hung suspended in mid-air.
The family slowly opened their eyes, their faces filling with a mix of shock and relief. Standing before them was a tall man in a pristine white uniform, holding the stand above them. "Superman?" A child asked, his hopeful voice breaking through the chaos.
Subject 13 remained silent, his stoic demeanor unwavering as he turned back to face the enraged alien, determined to bring an end to the chaotic rampage. With a swift, deliberate motion, he tossed the hotdog stand aside, his focus fixed solely on the formidable opponent before him. In a powerful leap, he propelled himself forward, his fist clenched and poised to deliver a forceful blow to the alien's chest.
The alien was sent hurtling backward, colliding with the Ferris wheel. Despite the impact, she swiftly regained her footing, pulling herself out of the dented bars. Her vicious eyes narrowed furiously at Subject 13, a formidable adversary who seemed unyielding in his pursuit.
Undeterred, Subject 13 advanced steadily towards the alien, each step carrying a sense of purpose and determination. In a surge of unbridled rage, the alien lunged forward, her legs kicking off the already unstable Ferris wheel, sending it crashing down to the ground with a deafening resonance. Simultaneously, a searing beam of ultraviolet radiation shot out from her palms as she soared towards her aggressor.
The energy forced Subject 13 to halt momentarily, instinctively shielding himself from the potent beam. However, his resilience and advanced capabilities proved formidable, allowing him to withstand the onslaught.
The alien's frustration mounted, infuriated by the apparent ineffectiveness that her powers had on her enemy. Enraged, she lunged at him with a fiery fist, but he effortlessly intercepted her punch, catching it with one hand before gripping her arm firmly with the other. His grip tightened and in a display of formidable strength, he initiated a rapid spin that defied her resistance. At the peak of the rotation, he released her, sending the alien crashing into a robust concrete building.
Unlike the carnival ride, this structure stood as a testament to sturdiness, absorbing the impact of the collision with an unyielding resilience. The force of the blow rendered the alien girl unconscious, her form sprawled amidst the indented cement.
Subject 13 moved with calculated confidence towards the fallen girl. His stoic expression remained unchanged, a facade of unyielding determination. The air crackled with an uneasy tension as he approached, his every step echoing the ominous resonance of impending actions. However, just as he was about to reach the unconscious alien, a black wingding emerged from the shadows, sticking the side of his face with swift precision.
While the calculated impact of the weapon didn't leave a physical mark, its tactical purpose was achieved with precision, effectively diverting Subject 13's attention from the fallen alien. As he turned towards the source of the intervention, the stoic Subject 13 was confronted by a new adversary—a masked man, resolute and clad in a striking black and blue suit that seemed to blend seamlessly with the shadows.
Emitting an unwavering determination, the masked vigilante stood tall, a visible glare piercing through the anonymity of his mask. Tension permeated the air as the two figures locked eyes, an unspoken challenge echoing between them. With no need for words, the masked man communicated a silent resolve, an unmistakable determination to disrupt Subject 13's advancing agenda.
Without uttering a single word, the masked man reached behind his back, producing two electric sticks that crackled with ominous energy. The intermittent sparks added an eerie illumination to the darkened surroundings, casting a surreal glow on the impending clash of forces. The masked vigilante's readiness was evident, the crackling energy a testament to the latent power at his disposal.
...
"Sir, the bidding is at 900,000,000 and counting." Reported the technician, the urgency in his voice resonating through the high-tech command center.
"Excellent." Mr. Galtry smiled, his satisfaction evident as he monitored the skyrocketing bid. The elaborate plan was unfolding seamlessly, and he relished the prospect of impressing Mr. Luthor with the success of their operation. "I might be able to ask for a raise." He mused, envisioning the accolades that would follow.
However, Galtry's moment of contentment abruptly dissipated as the monitors plunged into static, prompting swift and concerned actions from the technicians. The sleek command center, once buzzing with the controlled operation, now held an air of tense apprehension.
"What is happening?" Galtry demanded, his eyes wide with urgency.
"I'm not sure. There appears to be something blocking the feed." The nervous technician responded, frantically typing commands to restore the disrupted connection.
"Well, fix it!" Galtry barked, his impatience palpable as he paced back and forth in front of the monitors, his mind racing to salvage the situation.
The screens abruptly went black, and a collective shock swept through the room as a familiar Bat logo appeared on the monitors. The symbol resonated as an immediate sign of defeat, casting a shadow over their meticulously crafted assignment.
"Sir, it appears we have been hacked." The technician stammered, the admission of defeat hanging heavy in the air.
With widened eyes and his mouth slightly agape, Galtry reluctantly acknowledged their defeat. "Mr. Luthor isn't going to be happy about this." He muttered, the weight of impending consequences settling in the room like an unspoken truth. The meticulously planned operation had unraveled before their eyes, leaving them exposed and vulnerable to the scrutiny of their formidable employer. The atmosphere in the once-confident command center now felt fraught with the uncertainty of how they would navigate the fallout of their thwarted plan and the impending repercussions from a displeased Mr. Luthor.
...
Meanwhile, in the Batcave, the cool ambient glow of the computer cast shadows across the cavernous space. Bruce leaned back in his sleek chair, an accomplished smirk played on his lips, a testament to the satisfaction of resolving a problem.
With a deliberate motion, Bruce reached for his coffee, the ceramic mug emanating a faint warmth that contrasted with the chill of the cave. He took a long, contemplative sip, the rich aroma of the dark brew wafting through the air as he savored the moment of respite before the next storm.
The computer's multifaceted displays flickered with data, displaying intricate details of ongoing operations and surveillance. Bruce's fingers danced across the keyboard as he accessed his encrypted phone, a state-of-the-art device that mirrored the cutting-edge technology found throughout the Batcave.
"Superman." Bruce intoned, his gravelly voice a resonant command in the cavernous space. The dim glow of the computer illuminated the contours of Bruce's face, highlighting the resolve etched in his expression. "You are going to want to head to Jump City." His words carried the weight of unspoken urgency, a subtle acknowledgment of the imminent threat that required the attention of the Man of Steel.
...